Brazil Kite Adventures

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Just returned from 10 days in Brazil, kitesurfing the northeast coast with KiteAdventures. Mostly downwinders with a couple stops at the famous lagoons. Started in Cumbuco and went to Paracuru, Flexieras, and Jericoacora, with a return by 4x4 to Cumbuco for the last 2 days. Dan Tealdi and his local partner, Alberto Duarte did an excellent job of selecting hotels and pousadas, and the food was incredible. All the lodging places provide a fantastic breakfast to get you on your way for the day's kiting. Lunches were at local barracas on the beach and were incredible as well. Alberto's selection of restaurants for dinner in the various locations had everyone raving. I think I actually gained a few pounds on the trip. But the main attraction, of course, was the kiting itself. Long downwinders in and out of the waves, the usual being 15-20 kilometers with beach support from two Landrover Defenders. One downwinder was even about 50 klicks. Get tired? No problem. Ride in the 4x4 and get back out when you want. Stopped at the famous Taiba Lagoon. On the weekends it is filled with pro kiters and local experts pulling tricks that are unbelievable. If you happen to hit it on a weekday, it's easy to get into the rotation. Jericoacora was incredible. Steady 25kt winds, 100 foot high sand dunes, and a small village, with a great vibe, that now exists because of kite and windsurfing. There are still windsurfers there, but in a distinct minority and they have their own area.

The only drawback to Brazil is getting there. 9 hour flight from Miami to Rio or Sao Paulo, then a 3 hour flight to Fortaleza, and 40 minute ride to Cumbuco. Delta has a flight some times of the year from Atlanta to Fortaleza, but unfortunately not for my trip.